A Mandaluyong court cleared journalist Ann Salem and trade unionist Rodrigo Esparago of all charges and voided the search warrant that was issued against them. Salem and Espargo were arrested on December 10, 2020.

Maria Ressa was charged in yet another cyber libel case for her role as an executive editor of Rappler— a position she vacated in June of 2020. The libel suit was filed in response to an article titled, “ Thesis for sale at the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde.” The piece alleges Ariel Pineda, a professor at St. Benilde college, of accepting PHP20,000 bribe from students to clear their theses. Rambo Talabong, the Rappler reporter who wrote the article, is also named in the same libel suit.

Rappler founder Maria Ressa faces the third charge of cyber libel. According to her lawyer Ted Te, the third cyber libel complaint came after the story aired in October 2020 about De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Manila students paid P20,000 to pass their thesis. The complaint was filed by Benilde’s lecturer Ariel Pineda who was at the top of the scene. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns all charges against Maria and reiterates the Duterte regime once again that journalism is not a crime.

Manila Today’s editor, Lady Ann Salem, was arrested during police operations in Manila on December 10, the International Human Rights Day. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns this vicious attack against the journalist and demands her release.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Manila that is tasked with deciding on Maria Ressa and Rey Santos Jr.’s request for reconsideration on their cyber libel conviction, has denied the request on basis of lacking merit.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism has participated in a global press freedom campaign - #HoldTheLine - to support Maria Ressa and condemn her conviction by a court in Manila.

Solicitor General Jose Calida has asked the Supreme Court to revoke the legislative franchise of broadcast giant ABS-CBN. We urge the authorities to stop attacking critical media outlets using legal tactics.

Filipino journalist Frenchiemae Cumpio has been arrested along with four human rights activists on February 6. She was taken into custody during simultaneous raids across the Tacloban city targeting journalists and human rights activists. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns Frenchimae’s arrest and demand authorities to release her immediately.

Second hearing for one of the most prominent Filipino journalists and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa’s cyber libel case took place today.

First hearing of the trial against Rappler CEO-journalist Maria Ressa and former researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr for cyber libel case was held today.

Earlier today, Rappler CEO and award winning journalist Maria Ressa was called to court at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 49 on counts of cyber libel.

Following her arrest yesterday over the already disproven “cyber libel” charges, Maria Ressa got released today with bail by Manila RTC Branch 46 after paying P100,000 (Approx. 2000 USD). The court issued the release order after her bail was posted past noon. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns The Philippines government’s attempts to stifle dissent and criticism with groundless accusations against journalists.

We condemn the arrest of our colleague Maria Ressa, who was taken into custody over already disproved “cyber libel”. The Philippine’s government’s attempts to stifle dissent and criticism must come to an end.